Bits I got for Christmas

So here are a few of the bits that I received for Christmas and as you can see there is a bit of a theme. Somehow I think my family and Andrew know how much I love dinosaurs and tartan.

Dinosaur gifts

So it's fast approaching that glorious time of year again so I though I would do a few Christmassy posts. The first of which consists of dinosaur related products that would make great gifts (especially for me).

I love all of these so much and have already actually bought myself the dinosaur Christmas socks as I just couldn't resist. My favorite item has to be the jumper as I am also obsessed with stripes so it's as if it was made for me. The other little bits would make great stocking fillers for anyone who likes cute little bits like you myself.

Jumper ASOS, Handwarmer Topshop, Christmas socks ASOS, Print socks ASOS, Hot water bottle Topshop

Out for dinner...again

Shirt ASOS, Skirt Primark, Cardigan Topshop, Shoes River Island, Necklace Disney Couture

Dracula

Last night I went to see a stage adaption of Dracula with my family at my local theatre. None of us really knew what to expect from it really but we were all pleasantly surprised. It focused on the Classic Bram Stokers Dracular rather than a modern interpretation which was a refreshing change. We are all mildly obsessed with Dracula as siblings so it was an enjoyable night out and well worth seeing. ... And I'm sure I could have found something much more gothic and suitable to wear but it was freezing cold and I wanted something warm and cosy.

Jeans ASOS, Jumper Forever 21, Shirt ASOS, Skull necklace River Island, Boots Office

Walking the Hound

On a nice, bright, chilly Autumn Sunday afternoon, the other half and I took young Jess for a walk at Ashridge. I love going for a walk in the woods during this time of year as the weather seems so perfect and everything looks so pretty. Now time to wait for the snow to fall and turn everything into a Winter wonderland.

Shearling lined jacket Topshop, jeans ASOS, Checked shirt Topshop, Red boots Dr Martens

Lunch time

Heart elbow patch jumper ASOS, Red skirt Primark, Riding boots River Island, tartan bag Accessorize

Arctic Monkeys Loving

So last night I went to see Arctic Monkeys at Earls Court with my boyfriend Andrew. We had been looking forward to this soooo much and they didn't disappoint. They were absolutely amazing live but I didn't expect anything less. They were supported by The Strypes who were also very good. It was my first standing gig and I did get covered in beer and my back was in tatters by the end but it was all totally worth it. My love for Alex Turner grows...
Here are just a few highlights from the night of my favourite Monkeys tunes that I risked my phone to capture

Shearling denim jacket Topshop, Stripe tube pants River Island, Ramones t-shirt Primark, check shirt River Island, Converse

Visual Stylist

So I now have a new job, hallelujah!! Today I had my second interview and got offered the job of visual stylist for Marks & Spencer which is great and I'm so happy I actually have a job related to my uni degree.

Shirt River Island, Cropped jumper Misguided, Striped tube pants River Island, Boots ASOS, Necklaces Tiffany

Snug as a bug

So I finally got my hands on the Topshop sheepskin denim jacket after months of lusting over it. I was waiting for the cheeky 20% student discount so as soon as it came around I snapped the jacket straight up. It is the snuggest, cosiest little jacket ever and there's even room for those looming colder days to fit a jumper underneath. A winner all round I say, bravo Topshop!

jacket Topshop, stripe jumper with heart elbow patches ASOS, jeans ASOS

Things I'm Loving

I am a little bit obsessed with quirky socks so here is a photo of some of them from my collection. Personal favourites include the dinosaurs and skulls (for obvious reasons)

The new Arctic Monkeys album is amazing, not that I expected anything less. It just adds to the excitement of seeing them next month.

Bit of a random one but I am also loving my new IPad lock screen wallpaper. I made it on photo collage and am very happy with it. It shows some of my favourite things and in the obligatory black and white

London Calling

Today I am returning to London (the first time since graduation) to meet up with my friends from uni for a much needed catch up lunch.

shirt ASOS, tartan skinny trouser River Island, boyfriend coat Topshop, satchel Topshop, loafers ASOS, grey socks ASOS, skull necklace River Island

Layering Up

The Stones Jumper Amplified @ ASOS, checked shirt Topshop, jeans ASOS

Wanted: Winter Wardrobe

As winter is slowly approaching, a new winter wardrobe is in order. I never really buy into purchasing summer clothes anyway, I always seem to think its winter all year round and just use the weather as an excuse to feed my dark clothing habit.

L-R striped tube pants River Island, shearling lined denim jacket Topshop, lace dress River Island, Black skort River Island, leather collar checked shirt ASOS

Date Night

Dress Asos, Riding Boots River Island, Skull Collar Tips River Island, Tartan Jacket with leather look sleeves Primark

Having a Moment: Alex Turner

Only two words needed. Alex Turner! Just sit back and enjoy the view

The Lumberjack

Checked shirt River Island, Acid wash jeans River Island, Burgundy Ankle boots Office

GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2013

Daisy Lowe looked absolutely amazing when she arrived for the GQ awards. Some people mentioned how she made the Saint Laurent gown look trashy, but I think she does this gown justice and looks show stoppingly beautiful in it.

Eddie Redmayne was the best dressed man in my eyes, and usually is at any event he attends. He uses his boyish British charm to totally sell this Gucci suit to anyone who gazes upon it.

Wanted: Tattoo

I keep toying with the idea of getting a tattoo; I think for the past 4 years I keep saying I will get one and that day never seems to come. But I have found the design I want (see said design above) and I know I want it on my ribs (ouch) but I just need to summon the courage to visit a tattooist and actually book a date. Oh and I need to money to pay for it as I imagine it would not be cheap...

Image taken from "The book of Skulls"

Things I'm loving

I cannot stop listening to the new song by Jason Derulo. It's still not available on ITunes yet but the music channels are playing it non stop which keeps my need for it at bay.

I am also a little bit in love with the new TalkTalk TV advert. From the song to the amazing little story, I am just completely obsessed and love it so much. Definitely my favourite advert right now.

Needing to add a bit of fashion to proceedings I have chose four items that I am lusting over at the moment. One is the London guard IPad case available from ASOS which I think is just so cute. I also love the cut out white boots by New Look which I think are very on trend for A/W and look very comfy. The crossbone Mickey Mouse necklace (also ASOS) I fell in love with (probably due to my obsession with skulls). I liked the blue and black cut out midi dress from Miss Selfridge because its quite sophisticated but has that added sex appeal due to the cut outs at the side.

Having a Moment: Lily Collins

What can I say about the absolute beaut that is Lily Collins? Well she is the daughter of Phil Collins (Easy lover anyone?) she is an actress and model and she recently split with the also beautiful Jamie Campbell Bower. So why is she my girl crush? Well just look at her. She is just the prettiest little thing with amazing ever changing style. With every premiere of her new film she wowed with her chameleon like adaption to every outfit she chose to wear. From sexy and sulty to punky and British, she is just an absolute stand out as a fashion and beauty icon right now.
And just look at those brows! Perfectly groomed that give even queen Cara a run for her money.

Skirts & Stripes

Pencil Skirt ASOS, T-shirt River Island, Black Converse

All Black Everything

Super Skinny Jeans ASOS, T-shirt Primark, Burgandy Brogues ASOS, Watch Michael Kors

Check Mate

Tartan Skirt Primark, Brogues ASOS, T-shirt New Look, Cardigan H&M

The MOM Jean

MOM Jean Topshop, Top H&M, Loafers ASOS, Skull Frienship Bracelet Links of London, Watch Michael Kors

Having A Moment: Leather

Another of Autumn/Winters returning trends is of course leather; whether it be a jacket, boots or a skirt, it's back in a big way. Leather is a material that instantly gives any outfit a rock and roll edge. Chucking a leather jacket over a floaty dress or pairing a pair of leather trousers with a ladylike blouse, it instantly raises your outfit to another level.
Leather has been spotted on the catwalks of all the major designers like Burberry, Christopher Kane and Versace. Worn together with the tartan trend really gives off the essence of punk rebel. The leather trend is one of those things that never really goes away so it's worthwhile investing in the real thing as you will definitely get a lot of wear out of it. But if you can't quite afford the real thing there is plenty of great PU lookalikes out there at a fraction of the price.

L-R: ASOS, Topshop, Cambridge Satchel Company @ ASOS, Burberry Prorsum @ Net a Porter, Topshop, ASOS

Having A Moment: Tartan

So the Autumn/Winter season is nearly among us (yippee) so I decided to monitor the upcoming trends; being a fashion graduate and all that it only seems right, right?... Anyway the first trend, and by far my favourite, is the return of tartan. It has been seen on the catwalks by the likes of Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger and Moschino to name a few.
My obsession with checks and tartan pretty much runs all year round, managing to work the check shirt into my summer and winter wardrobe with ease. The Tartan skirt always seems to conjure images of school girls, especially when rocked with black over the knee socks, but who says 22 year olds can't play dress up every now and again?
All the images shown are also part of my wish list that at some point when I have more money to my name will be being purchased and calling my wardrobe home for the foreseeable future.

All products from ASOS.com

Hair DIY

So I decided I needed to change my hair as it was in terrible condition and frankly I was bored, which is never good for my hair. So I looked through some photographs online of celebrities and decided my hair inspiration was to be Alexa Chungs long bob, which always seems to look amazing whether its the 'just got out of bed' look or styled to perfection. So I took the chop (literally) and positioned myself in front if my mirror, scissors in hand and proceeded to hack off my long, dead locks. Much to my mothers horror who has always been a supporter of long hair.

I am delighted with the finished product and reckon I will be sticking with the shorter look for quite a while as it gives me a more fashion forward look, especially when teamed with my full fringe (which I also cut myself)

Shirt Asos Africa, Skull Necklace River Island

Graduation Celebration

Graduation day has finally arrived and I am so excited/nervous of tripping up the stairs to stage and making a fool of myself. I am graduating with a 2:1 which I am very happy with. I am also sad as it is the end of an era with my amazing uni friends who have just made the whole university experience so much better, mainly due to our extravagant lunches in every diner around London and constant shopping trips between lectures. Choosing London to study in was one of the best decisions I have made as it really is the most amazing city for history, culture, eating and of course FASHION.

Dress Topshop, Shoes New Look, Watch Michael Kors, Rings Pandora

Tartan & Stripe Clash

Skirt Topshop, Shirt Primark, Loafers Asos, skull friendship bracelet Links of London, Watch Michael Kors